Week 1: Tar Heels vs Gamecocks Odds

College football betting sees the North Carolina Tar Heels taking on the South Carolina Gamecocks Thursday September 3rd at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football predictions.

The battle of the Carolinas takes place Week 1 to kick off the 2015 NCAA Football Season. North Carolina and their high flying attack offense meets up with Steve Spurrier and the South Carolina Gamecocks.

This will be the 2nd straight season South Carolina opens up their 2015 campaign on Thursday in Week 1. They’ll try and forget about last season when they saw Texas A&M run up and down the field on them en route to a lopsided loss.

This season, South Carolina will try to roll with a vary unproven bunch who have very little experience on the field.

As for the other Carolina, the Tar Heels come in trying to avenge a losing year in 2014. They’ll have head coach Larry Fedora back for a 4th season as he has been rumored to be on the hot seat.

South Carolina has won 5 of the last 6 in the battle of Carolinas, with the most recent coming in 2013 when they handled the Tar Heels 27-10.

North Carolina

The Tar Heels had to feel a little disappointed last season. With just sneaking into a Bowl game at 6-6, UNC dropped their post season game as Rutgers defeated them 40-21 in the Quick Lane Bowl.

North Carolina has a lot of hope heading in to this season though as they return essentially their whole starting core, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

The main guy to watch in the opener and all season long will be QB Marquise Williams. The dual threat QB led UNC in 2014 in passing with 3068 yards and in rushing with 788 yards.

Williams offered the Tar Heels offense a variety of different looks as he could beat teams with QB options and passes down field.

North Carolina welcomes back a compliment of receivers, which will give Williams a lot of threats down field. Ryan Switzer was his main target as he had 61 receptions for 757 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2014. To add to the core, Mack Hollins and Quinshad Davis return as the duo caught over 71 passes combined and resulted in 14 touchdowns.

South Carolina

The Gamecocks have just as much disappointment as the Tar Heels had in 2014. South Carolina finished with a 7-6 record, but that included just 2 wins in conference play.

South Carolina capped their season off with a 24-21 win over Miami in the Independence Bowl.

Still, Steve Spurrier lost a compliment of players and is not only eager, but also nervous to see how his team reacts to the big stage Week 1.

They return only 4 starters offensively and will have a new guy under center. QB Connor Mitch had very little playing time in the 2014 season, but will get the #1 nod with the rest of the QB situation being Freshmen.

South Carolina will rely heavily on RB Brandon Wilds, who had a solid 2014 campaign. Wilds rushed for 570 yards and 4 touchdowns last season, along with 1 TD reception.

Especially early in the season, expect Wilds work load to be heavy as the Gamecocks try to fit Connor Mitch into their system.

NCAA Football Handicapping Trends

Tar Heels are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 Thursday games.
Tar Heels are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games on grass.
Gamecocks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. ACC.
Gamecocks are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games in September.

Week 1 NCAA Football Prediction

With so many questions unanswered for the Gamecocks heading into Week 1, things will be tough on them. QB Connor Mitch saw very little playing time in 2014 and is as inexperienced as a majority of the offense.

North Carolina returns a compliment of starters and should be in rhythm early Thursday night.

4* Free NCAA Betting Pick: North Carolina ATS

North Carolina has just too many returning starters, which will allow them to get out to an early lead. Both defenses are so questionable as well. Don’t be surprised if a shootout breaks out here in the battle of Carolinas.

About Tony M.

A Cappers Picks regular contributor since 2014. He was not new to betting back then, and he's even better now! Gambling since the first day he turned 18. He is now a 28 year old Cleveland native who lives and breathes Indians baseball. His dream is to be part of a championship celebration at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario.

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